First Pitch: Today is the Deadline to Protect Rule 5 Players

Gregory Polanco will be added to the 40-man roster by the end of the day.

Today is the day for teams to protect players for the upcoming Rule 5 draft. Teams have until midnight to add players to the 40-man roster, or risk those players being exposed in the draft this December. The first time eligible players this year are high school players from the 2009 draft and college players from the 2010 draft. The Pirates currently have four open spots on the 40-man roster. They could clear more spots if needed. Other teams will be clearing spots to protect their prospects, which means the Pirates could also use a spot to claim players on waivers, which they've done in previous years.

Two weeks ago I listed the eligible players and the guys who are likely to be protected. It's a guarantee that the Pirates will protect Alen Hanson and Gregory Polanco. I'd say there's also a very strong chance they protect Joely Rodriguez and Casey Sadler. That would cover the four open spots on the 40-man...

Tim is the owner and editor in chief of Pirates Prospects. He started the site in January 2009, and turned it into his full time job during the 2011 season. Prior to starting Pirates Prospects, Tim worked with AccuScore.com, providing MLB, NHL, and NFL coverage to various national media outlets, including ESPN Insider, USA Today, Yahoo Sports, and the Wall Street Journal. He also writes the annual Prospect Guide, which is sold through the site. Tim lives in Bradenton, where he provides live coverage all year of Spring Training, mini camp, instructs, the Bradenton Marauders, and the GCL Pirates.